Why are portions of some Targeted Ecological Areas developed?
By examining the satellite imagery that can be viewed underneath the Targeted Ecological Areas map layer, you will see that some areas are developed. You may find houses, residential communities, or commercial and industrial areas. There are several reasons for this. These areas are intentionally broad because of the need to protect entire ecosystems and watersheds. People, communities and businesses are a part of the environment. Society and the environment can coexist to mutually benefit each other. However, in other instances, recent development and the loss of natural habitats may not be reflected in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ecological assessments because of the time lag in updating several databases. Before any land is purchased for ecological reasons, DNRs field staff surveys the land and its surrounding to determine whether it is still ecologically valuable and worth the investment of our limited conservation funding.
